Impact of biobased packaging materials on quality changes of cod (Gadus morhua) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) during frozen storage

Abstract

The choice of packaging is of importance for quality and shelf life. The fishing industry uses large quantities of plastic to protect their products. Several biobased and biodegradable packaging materials have recently appeared. In this study, application of a biobased packaging material for frozen fish fillets during storage of up to 24 months was evaluated. Quality changes were evaluated through sensory assessments, total viable count, and drip loss. Further, the nature of the packaging material during freezing, thawing and unpacking was assessed. These included damages, contamination of fish on the materials and challenges with separating the fillets from the packaging materials. The results indicated that the biobased material worked well in terms of maintaining quality of the fish fillets. One challenge with the plastic alternative was linked to adhesion to the fillets and contamination from fish on the interleave film. The fish fillets sticked to the plastic alternative after thawing.